Swabi tobacco growers burn 500 kilograms of crop in protest against low purchase price.

In Swabi, Pakistan, tobacco farmers staged a protest outside the press club, holding the Pakistan Tobacco Board accountable for offering Rs350 per kilogram while the official rate is Rs750. During the demonstration, a local grower set fire to 500 kilograms of his tobacco bundles. He said he had burned the crop because the cost of production is nearly Rs750 per kilogram, which was far above what the board offered. The farmer added that growers had suffered heavy losses last year, had fallen into debt, and still owe hundreds of thousands of rupees to wood suppliers and labourers. Political and social organisations joined the protest, warning that the district could expand its participation if the issue is not resolved. The protest underscores the farmers’ frustration that the tobacco industry generates billions yet they receive far less than the official purchase price.